Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Electrolyte Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Electrolyte Balance

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Problem L3.5

Textbook Question

What happens to the concentration of sodium ions in the ECF if you consume a large amount of salt without consuming any water? How will this affect the osmotic pressure of the ECF? Why could this lead to an elevation in blood pressure?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that consuming a large amount of salt (sodium chloride) without water increases the sodium ion (Na⁺) concentration in the extracellular fluid (ECF). Sodium ions are a major component of the ECF and play a key role in maintaining osmotic balance.

Step 2: Recognize that the increase in sodium ion concentration in the ECF will raise the osmotic pressure of the ECF. Osmotic pressure is determined by the concentration of solutes, such as sodium ions, in a solution. A higher sodium concentration means more solutes, which increases the osmotic pressure.

Step 3: Explain that the increased osmotic pressure in the ECF will draw water out of cells (intracellular fluid, or ICF) into the ECF by osmosis. This movement of water occurs to balance the solute concentration between the ECF and ICF.

Step 4: Understand that the increase in ECF volume due to water movement from the ICF can lead to an increase in blood volume. Blood volume is directly related to blood pressure, as more fluid in the vascular system exerts greater pressure on blood vessel walls.

Step 5: Conclude that the elevated blood volume caused by the osmotic shift can result in an increase in blood pressure. This is because the heart must pump against the higher volume of fluid, and the vascular system experiences greater resistance.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Sodium Ion Concentration

Sodium ions (Na+) are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and osmotic pressure in the extracellular fluid (ECF). When a large amount of salt (sodium chloride) is consumed without water, the concentration of sodium ions in the ECF increases. This elevated concentration can disrupt homeostasis, leading to potential physiological effects.

Osmotic Pressure

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to solute concentration differences. An increase in sodium ion concentration in the ECF raises osmotic pressure, causing water to move out of cells into the ECF to balance the solute levels. This shift can lead to cellular dehydration and altered fluid distribution in the body.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Blood pressure is influenced by the volume of blood and the resistance of blood vessels. Increased sodium concentration in the ECF can lead to water retention, increasing blood volume. This elevated blood volume can raise blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension, which poses risks for cardiovascular health.

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Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

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Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements correctly describe(s) the role of aldosterone?

a. Aldosterone triggers sodium ion and so water reabsorption.

b. Aldosterone triggers potassium ion secretion.

c. Aldosterone triggers hydrogen ion secretion.

d. Both a and b are correct.

e. All of the above are correct.

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Textbook Question

Your friend argues that all water conducts electricity, regardless of what it contains. You prepare three liquids to test this hypothesis: one with deionized water (with no solutes, only water molecules), one with 5% glucose in water, and one with 5% sodium chloride in water. Which of these solutions, if any, will conduct an electric current? Explain.

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Multiple Choice

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases Ca²⁺ deposition in the bones.

The most important factor that influences K⁺ secretion is __________.

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